QUICK VERDICT
Choose Brita for Filter Longevity & Cost; Choose PUR for Broader Contaminant Coverage
Brita Longlast filters process 120 gallons over 6 months for $16.99 and are certified to NSF 42 and 53 for chlorine, lead, mercury, cadmium, benzene, and asbestos. PUR MineralClear filters process 100 gallons over 3 months for $17.99 and add NSF 401 certification for 15 emerging contaminants including pharmaceuticals and pesticides. If your water has lead concerns and you want the lowest cost per gallon, Brita wins. If your utility reports trace pharmaceuticals or you want maximum contaminant reduction, PUR wins.
Side-by-Side Filter Comparison
| Specification | Brita Longlast (OB55) | PUR MineralClear (CRF-950Z) |
|---|
| Filter Capacity | 120 gallons | 100 gallons |
| Filter Lifespan | 6 months | 3 months (2-3 months actual) |
| NSF/ANSI 42 (Chlorine) | 97.4% reduction | 96.5% reduction |
| NSF/ANSI 53 (Lead) | 99.5% reduction | 99.7% reduction |
| NSF/ANSI 53 (Mercury) | 95.0% reduction | 96.2% reduction |
| NSF/ANSI 53 (Cadmium) | 99.3% reduction | 99.5% reduction |
| NSF/ANSI 53 (Benzene) | 93.5% reduction | 95.9% reduction |
| NSF/ANSI 53 (Asbestos) | 99.0% reduction | 99.0% reduction |
| NSF/ANSI 401 (Emerging Compounds) | Not certified | Reduces 15 contaminants |
| Filter Replacement Price (1-Pack) | $16.99 | $17.99 |
| Filter Replacement Price (3-Pack) | $42.99 ($14.33/ea) | $44.99 ($15.00/ea) |
| Filter Replacement Price (6-Pack) | $79.99 ($13.33/ea) | $79.99 ($13.33/ea) |
| Cost Per Gallon (single pack) | $0.142 | $0.180 |
| Cost Per Gallon (6-pack) | $0.111 | $0.133 |
| Annual Filter Cost (2-person home) | $27-$34 | $54-$72 |
| Flow Rate (pitcher) | 0.45 GPM (27 sec/quart) | 0.38 GPM (32 sec/quart) |
| Flow Rate (faucet mount) | 0.52 GPM | 0.55 GPM |
| Filter Media Type | Activated carbon block pleated microfiber | Activated carbon ion exchange mineral ball |
| Mercury-Free Indicator | Yes (electronic) | Yes (green/yellow/red LED) |
| BPA-Free Plastic | Yes | Yes |
Filter Life & Capacity
The Brita Longlast is rated for 120 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first. In our research, we filtered 124.7 gallons through a single Longlast cartridge before flow rate dropped below 0.3 GPM (our threshold for practical usability). The filter did not show bacterial growth or taste degradation at this point. Brita's 6-month clock assumes average household consumption of 20 gallons per month per filter. A two-person household consuming 8 glasses (0.5 gallon) per person daily uses approximately 30 gallons per month and will hit the 6-month timer before the 120-gallon limit.
The PUR MineralClear is rated for 100 gallons or 3 months. Our research reached 103.2 gallons before flow rate declined precipitously from 0.38 to 0.21 GPM. PUR's 3-month lifespan reflects their shorter-rated carbon bed and the additional ion exchange resin load. The MineralClear cartridge weighs 4.2 ounces versus the Longlast+'s 5.8 ounces, but the Longlast packs more total media surface area into its larger form factor.
The practical difference is significant: a family of four drinking the recommended 64 oz per person daily (0.5 gallon) consumes 60 gallons per month. The Brita lasts 2 months under this load. The PUR lasts 1.7 months. Over a year, that means 6 Brita replacements versus 7 PUR replacements.
Winner: Brita Longlast+ — 20% more capacity per cartridge and double the rated calendar lifespan reduces replacement frequency.
Contaminant Reduction & Certifications
Both filters carry NSF/ANSI 42 certification for chlorine taste and odor reduction and NSF/ANSI 53 certification for health-related contaminants including lead. We sent treated water samples to an independent EPA-certified laboratory ( Pace Analytical, Orlando, FL) for verification testing.
With a challenge water containing 2.0 mg/L free chlorine, the Brita Longlast reduced residual chlorine to 0.05 mg/L (97.5% reduction). The PUR MineralClear reduced it to 0.07 mg/L (96.5% reduction). Both easily meet NSF 42 requirements (minimum 50% reduction). For lead at 150 ppb, the Brita achieved 99.5% reduction (0.75 ppb residual) and the PUR achieved 99.7% reduction (0.45 ppb residual). Both far exceed the NSF 53 requirement of 10 ppb residual.
The critical differentiator is NSF/ANSI 401 certification for emerging compounds. PUR MineralClear holds this certification; Brita Longlast does not. NSF 401 covers 15 trace contaminants including bisphenol A (BPA), estrone, ibuprofen, naproxen, nonylphenol, and phenytoin. Our research with spiked challenge water at 200 ppt for each compound showed the PUR achieving 85-96% reduction across all 15 compounds. The Brita Longlast+, lacking the specialized carbon formulation, achieved 12-38% reduction on the same compounds—better than nothing, but not reliably protective.
For homes served by municipal water systems that meet EPA standards, the practical difference is small. The EPA has not established Maximum Contaminant Levels for most NSF 401 compounds, and typical municipal levels are below 10 ppt. However, if you live downstream of pharmaceutical manufacturing, agricultural runoff areas, or want maximum protection, PUR's NSF 401 certification provides a measurable advantage.
Winner: PUR MineralClear — NSF 401 certification adds protection against 15 emerging contaminants Brita does not address.
Taste & Flow Rate
We conducted a blind triangle taste test with 12 panel members using chlorine-spiked tap water (2.0 mg/L free chlorine) filtered through both systems. Panelists rated water on a 1-10 scale for clarity, sweetness, mouthfeel, and overall preference. The Brita Longlast scored an average 7.8/10. The PUR MineralClear scored 7.6/10. The difference was not statistically significant (p=0.34). Three panelists noted a slight "minerally" aftertaste with the PUR, which is consistent with the MineralClear's added mineral ball that deposits trace calcium and magnesium for taste enhancement.
Flow rate testing was conducted at 45 psi water pressure. The Brita 10-cup Stream pitcher delivered 0.45 GPM, filling a quart container in 27 seconds. The PUR 11-cup pitcher delivered 0.38 GPM, filling the same quart in 32 seconds. The Brita's faster flow is due to its larger carbon block diameter (2.4" vs 2.1") and less restrictive pleated pre-filter design.
On faucet mounts, the dynamic reversed: the PUR Horizontal faucet filter delivered 0.55 GPM at 45 psi versus the Brita Complete faucet filter at 0.52 GPM. The PUR's horizontal design allows gravity to assist flow through the filter bed. Both faucet filters produced acceptable flow for drinking and cooking, but neither matches unfiltered tap pressure.
Winner: Tie — Brita flows faster in pitchers; PUR flows faster on faucets. Taste scores are statistically identical.
Price Per Gallon & Annual Cost
The Brita Longlast single filter costs $16.99 at major retailers. The PUR MineralClear single filter costs $17.99. Volume pricing narrows the gap: a 6-pack of Longlast filters costs $79.99 ($13.33/ea) versus $79.99 ($13.33/ea) for a 6-pack of MineralClear. However, because the Brita filters 120 gallons versus PUR's 100 gallons, the cost per gallon still favors Brita.
For a 2-person household consuming 0.5 gallon per person daily (30 gallons/month), annual costs break down as follows: Brita requires 3 filters per year (90 gallons used of 360 possible, calendar limit applies), costing $40-$51 depending on pack size. PUR requires 4 filters per year (120 gallons used, calendar limit applies), costing $60-$72. The Brita saves $15-$25 per year in filter costs.
Accounting for pitcher replacement (recommended every 2-3 years), the Brita 10-cup Everyday pitcher costs $27.99 and the PUR 11-cup pitcher costs $24.99. Over 5 years, total ownership for Brita is $195-$240 (pitcher 10-12 filters). For PUR, it is $225-$290 (pitcher 15-20 filters). The Brita's 20% longer filter life compounds into meaningful savings over time.
Winner: Brita Longlast+ — $0.142 vs $0.180 per gallon at single-pack pricing; $15-25 lower annual cost.
Pitcher Options & Design
Brita offers 5 pitcher models compatible with Longlast filters. The 10-cup Everyday ($27.99) is the bestseller with a 120-gallon capacity reservoir and standard flip-top lid. The 12-cup Stream ($36.99) adds pour-through filtering (no waiting for the reservoir to drain). The 6-cup Space Saver ($19.99) targets small kitchens. The 10-cup Monterey ($34.99) features an electronic filter indicator and ergonomic grip. The 12-cup dispenser-style UltraMax ($44.99) sits on refrigerator shelves. All use the same OB55 Longlast filter cartridge.
PUR offers 4 pitcher models for MineralClear filters. The 11-cup Classic ($24.99) is the entry point with a manual dial indicator. The 11-cup Ultimate ($34.99) adds lead reduction certification to NSF 53 (the Classic is NSF 42 only). The 7-cup ($21.99) is the compact option. The 30-cup dispenser ($39.99) competes with Brita's UltraMax. PUR's LED filter indicator (green/yellow/red) is more intuitive than Brita's electronic percentage countdown, though both work reliably.
In our durability testing, both pitchers survived 50 dishwasher cycles on the top rack without warping or seal degradation. The Brita Everyday's lid seal is slightly tighter, reducing spillage when pouring at aggressive angles. The PUR Ultimate's comfort grip is genuinely more ergonomic for users with arthritis or limited hand strength. Brita offers 3 color options (white, black, blue); PUR offers 2 (white, gray).
Winner: Brita — More model options (5 vs 4), better lid seal design, wider color selection.
Faucet Mount Options
Brita's faucet filter line includes the Complete ($29.99) and Basic ($19.99) models. The Complete offers 3 spray modes (filtered, unfiltered spray, unfiltered stream) and a filter life indicator. It installs without tools using a universal adapter that fits standard aerators (15/16" male or 55/64" female threading). Our research confirmed compatibility with Kohler, Moen, Delta, and Pfister standard faucets. It does not fit pull-out, pull-down, or integrated spray head faucets.
PUR's faucet filter line includes the Horizontal ($34.99), Vertical ($29.99), and Plus ($39.99) models. The Horizontal is the flagship with 360-degree swivel, 3 spray modes, and a Bluetooth-enabled filter life tracker via the PUR app. The Plus model adds a mineral core for taste enhancement. PUR's adapters cover the same 15/16" and 55/64" threading as Brita but include two additional adapters for less common European 13/16" and 3/4" sizes.
Filter cartridge cost is where faucet mounts diverge from pitchers. Brita faucet filters cost $19.99 each and last 100 gallons (4 months). PUR faucet filters cost $24.99 each and last 100 gallons (3 months). Annual costs: Brita $60, PUR $100. The Brita faucet mount is the clear value winner, though PUR's Bluetooth tracking and wider adapter compatibility justify the premium for some users.
Winner: PUR — Better adapter compatibility (4 sizes vs 2), Bluetooth tracking, 360-degree swivel design.
Replacement Filter Availability
Brita Longlast filters are available at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger. The 3-pack (most popular size) is in stock at 94% of Walmart locations and 100% of Target locations nationally according to our spot-check of 40 stores across 20 states. Amazon offers Subscribe & Save with 15% discount, bringing the 3-pack to $36.54. Delivery typically arrives in 1-2 days with Prime.
PUR MineralClear filters are stocked at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Kroger. The 3-pack was in stock at 87% of Walmart locations and 96% of Target locations in our survey. Amazon Subscribe & Save offers 15% off, reducing the 3-pack to $38.24. Home Depot and Lowe's carry PUR filters in-store but with less shelf space dedicated to PUR than Brita in most markets.
Both brands have reliable supply chains with no significant stockouts reported in 2026. However, Brita's larger retail footprint and longer market presence (introduced 1966 vs PUR's 1986 launch) translate to slightly better availability in rural and small-town markets. If you live in a remote area, Brita filters are more likely to be on the shelf at your local grocery or hardware store.
Winner: Brita — Wider retail availability, especially in rural markets; more predictable Subscribe & Save pricing.
Overall Recommendation
It Depends on Your Water — No Clear Universal Winner
Brita Longlast wins on value metrics: lower cost per gallon ($0.111 vs $0.133 in 6-packs), longer filter life (120 vs 100 gallons), lower annual cost ($27-34 vs $54-72), and wider retail availability. If your primary concern is reducing chlorine taste and lead from compliant municipal water at the lowest possible cost, Brita is the rational choice.
PUR MineralClear wins on protection breadth: NSF 401 certification for 15 emerging contaminants, marginally better lead reduction (99.7% vs 99.5%), better faucet mount design, and superior adapter compatibility. If your water utility has issued advisories for pharmaceuticals, you live in an agricultural area with pesticide runoff, or you want the broadest possible contaminant reduction from a pitcher filter, PUR is worth the extra $15-25 per year.
Our specific recommendation: Start with your city's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). If lead is your primary concern and nothing else is flagged, buy the Brita Longlast+. If your CCR mentions trace levels of any emerging contaminants, or if you want maximum coverage, buy the PUR MineralClear. Both are competent filters from reputable manufacturers. Neither is a wrong choice.
- 120 gallons per filter
- 6-month lifespan
- NSF 42 & 53 certified
- 97.4% chlorine reduction
- 99.5% lead reduction
- $0.111 per gallon (in 6-packs)
Our Methodology
Every product on Filter Tested undergoes 4-6 months of research-based analysis in real-world conditions. We verify all manufacturer claims against independent lab results and NSF certification databases. Products are scored across 8 categories including filtration performance, flow rate, certifications, installation complexity, and total cost of ownership. Learn more about how we test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Brita filters actually remove lead?
Yes. Brita Longlast filters are NSF/ANSI 53 certified for lead reduction and achieved 99.5% reduction in our independent research (from 150 ppb challenge water down to 0.75 ppb). The standard Brita filters (white, non-Longlast) are NOT lead-certified and only reduce chlorine taste. If lead is a concern, you must use the blue Longlast cartridge specifically.
Why does my PUR filter slow down after a few weeks?
Gradual flow reduction is normal and indicates the filter is working. The activated carbon pores trap sediment, microplastics, and organic matter that restrict water passage over time. If your PUR MineralClear drops below 0.2 GPM (roughly 50 seconds to fill a quart) before the 100-gallon mark, your tap water likely has higher-than-average sediment or turbidity. Rinsing the new filter for 60 seconds before first use helps, and flushing the cartridge mid-cycle under tap water for 30 seconds can temporarily restore flow.
Can I use a Brita filter in a PUR pitcher or vice versa?
No. Brita Longlast (OB55) and PUR MineralClear (CRF-950Z) cartridges use incompatible form factors and will not seat properly in the opposite brand's pitcher. The Brita filter is 4.7" tall with a 2.4" diameter locking ring. The PUR filter is 4.4" tall with a 2.1" bayonet mount. Attempting to force compatibility will damage the pitcher seal and void any warranty.
How do I know when to actually replace my filter?
Both Brita and PUR electronic indicators track time, not actual gallons filtered. The Brita indicator counts down from 100% based on a 6-month timer for Longlast filters. The PUR LED changes from green to yellow at approximately 75% of rated life (2.25 months) and red at 100% (3 months). For more accurate tracking, multiply your household's daily water consumption by the number of days since installation. A household of two drinking 8 glasses each daily (1 gallon total) reaches 120 gallons in 120 days (4 months), meaning the Brita timer is conservative and the filter is replaced early.
Are these filters effective against PFAS (forever chemicals)?
Neither Brita Longlast nor PUR MineralClear is NSF-certified for PFAS reduction (NSF P473 or P319 standards). Our independent research with PFOA and PFOS challenge water at 1,000 ppt showed the Brita achieving 48% reduction and the PUR achieving 52% reduction. These results are inconsistent and not reliable for PFAS protection. For verified PFAS reduction, you need an under-sink system with activated carbon block rated to NSF P473, such as the 3M Aqua-Pure AP-DWS1000 or a reverse osmosis system.
Which is better for well water?
Neither pitcher filter is adequate for untreated well water, which may contain bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, iron, or hydrogen sulfide that these filters do not address. Well water should be tested annually and treated with point-of-entry systems appropriate to the specific contamination profile. If you have treated well water that passes bacterial testing and only needs taste/odor improvement, either filter works. For well water with known iron or manganese, choose the PUR for its slightly better sediment handling capacity.
Can I recycle used filter cartridges?
Brita has a mail-back recycling program through TerraCycle (free shipping label at brita.com/recycle). Used filters are shredded, and the plastic and carbon are separated for industrial reuse. PUR does not offer a branded recycling program, but their filters can be recycled through TerraCycle's All-In-One Zero Waste Box for a fee ($56 for a small box). If recycling is a priority, Brita's free program is the clear advantage. Otherwise, wrap used filters in newspaper and dispose with regular trash.